So, with just 7 weeks left to the 2021 NFL season, I think it’s time to take a look at the 49ers future, beyond just 2021, and identify who has a legitimate future with the 49ers, while also identifying players who are either unknown, or guys the team likely doesn’t have plans for the future.
Below are the players currently under contract as of November 24th, 2021:
QB(3): 10 Jimmy Garoppolo(2022), 5 Trey Lance(2024), & 7 Nate Sudfeld(2021-PS)
RB(6): 25 Elijah Mitchell(2024), 22 Jeff Wilson Jr.(2021), 28 Trey Sermon(2024), 23 JaMycal Hasty(2021), 49 Trenton Cannon(2021), & 31 Raheem Mostert(2021-IR)
FB(2): 44 Kyle Juszczyk(2025), & 40 Josh Hokit(2021-PS)
WR(10): 19 Deebo Samuel(2022), 11 Brandon Aiyuk(2023), 81 Trent Sherfield(2021), 15 Jauan Jennings(2021), 17 Travis Benjamin(2021), 6 Mohamed Sanu Sr.(2021-IR), 13 Richie James Jr.(2021-IR), 86 River Cracraft(2021-PS), 83 Connor Wedington(2021-PS), & — Devin Funchess(2021-PS)
TE(5): 85 George Kittle(2025), 82 Ross Dwelley(2021), 89 Charlie Woerner(2023), 84 Tanner Hudson(2021-PS), & 88 Jordan Matthews(2021-PS)
C(3): 50 Alex Mack(2023), 64 Jake Brendel(2021), & 61 Jon Halapio(2021-PS)
LG(2): 75 Laken Tomlinson(2021), & 68 Colton McKivitz(2021)
RG(2): 60 Daniel Brunskill(2021), & 65 Aaron Banks(2024)
LT(2): 71 Trent Williams(2026), & 76 Jaylon Moore(2024)
RT(5): 66 Tom Compton(2021), 69 Mike McGlinchey(2022-IR), 67 Justin Skule(2021-IR), 62 Corbin Kaufusi(2021-PS), & 77 Alfredo Gutierrez(2021-PS)
DE(8): 91 Arik Armstead(2024), 97 Nick Bosa(2022), 56 Samson Ebukam(2022), 98 Arden Key(2021), 94 Jordan Willis(2021), 92 Charles Omenihu(2022), 55 Dee Ford(2022-IR), 58 Alex Barrett(2021-PS)
DT(4): 95 Kentavius Street(2021), 90 Kevin Givens(2021), 96 Maurice Hurst Jr.(2021), & 99 Javon Kinlaw(2023-IR)
NT(3): 93 D.J. Jones(2021), 67 Darrion Daniels(2021-PS-IR), & 78 Chris Slayton(2021-PS)
WLB(2): 36 Marcell Harris(2021), & 57 Dre Greenlaw(2022-IR)
MLB(2): 54 Fred Warner(2026), & 53 Tyrell Adams(2021-PS)
SLB(2): 51 Azeez Al-Shaair(2021), & 45 Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles(2021)
CB(10): 4 Emmanuel Moseley(2022), 26 Josh Norman(2021), 24 K’Waun Williams(2021), 27 Dontae Johnson(2021), 38 Deommodore Lenoir(2024), 20 Ambry Thomas(2024), 2 Jason Verrett(2021-IR), 30 Davontae Harris(2021-PS-IR), 47 Saivion Smith(2021-PS), & — Luq Barcoo(2021-PS)
FS(5): 1 Jimmie Ward(2022), 32 Tavon Wilson(2021-IR), 33 Tarvarius Moore(2021-PUP), 35 Tony Jefferson(2021-PS), & 43 Kai Nacua(2021-PS-IR)
SS(2): 3 Jaquiski Tartt(2021), & 29 Talanoa Hufanga(2024)
PK(1): 9 Robbie Gould(2022)
P(1): 18 Mitch Wishnowsky(2022)
LS(1): 46 Taybor Pepper(2022)
Below are the pending free agents for the 2022 offseason.
UFA:
RB Raheem Mostert
RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
RB Trenton Cannon
WR Travis Benjamin
WR Mohamed Sanu Sr.
WR Trent Sherfield
WR Richie James Jr.
TE Ross Dwelley
C Jake Brendel
LG Laken Tomlinson
RG/RT Tom Compton
DE Arden Key
DE Jordan Willis
DT Maurice Hurst Jr.
NT D.J. Jones
WLB Marcell Harris
CB Jason Verrett
CB K’Waun Williams
CB Josh Norman
CB Dontae Johnson
FS Tarvarius Moore
FS Tavon Wilson
SS Jaquiski Tartt
- Of this group of players, the only ones who have shown that they should be considered for multi-year deals are, left guard Laken Tomlinson, nose tackle D.J. Jones, & cornerback K’Waun Williams.
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Starting with the free agent running backs, I don’t see the 49ers bringing back Raheem Mostert, for a couple reasons, 1. Mostert’s history of injuries, and 2. The fact that Mostert asked for a pay raise last year, to be on par with what Tevin Coleman was, but he didn’t get it, only just a slight bump in his 2021 base salary, & a $250,000 signing bonus, hardly in the neighborhood of what Coleman got, which was nearly $5 million in 2020, & with the recent contract for Indianapolis Colts’ running back Nyheim Hines($6.2 million a year), it’s highly unlikely the 49ers keep him, plus the writing was kind of on the wall when they drafted Trey Sermon & Elijah Mitchell in the 2021 draft.
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Jeff Wilson Jr. was recently activated off of the reserve/PUP list, he was active for the Cardinals game, but didn’t play, but he was active for both the Rams & Jaguars games, in which he started the Jaguars game due to Elijah Mitchell suffering a broken finger, he did a good job, and he’s one of the guys I’d like to bring back, but I wouldn’t go over $2.5 million per year.
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As for Trenton Cannon, he’s looked good at times as the teams kick returner, but I’d think the 49ers would like to see someone else, more dynamic player, take over that spot in 2022, but we could see Cannon back on a 1-year, veteran minimum salary benefit deal, where he’d get $1.035 million, but would only count $895,000 against the cap, but the deal would be guaranteed week 1 of the 2022 season if he were to be on the 53-man roster.
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Next up are the wide receivers, where we have 4 total, Trent Sherfield, Mohamed Sanu Sr., Travis Benjamin, & Richie James Jr., if the 49ers bring back any of these 4, it’s most likely Sherfield and/or Sanu, again on 1-year deals, where they only count $895,000, but they could end up with some sort of signing bonus, roster bonus, workout bonus, or combination of them, adding up to $152,500, which is up from 2021’s $137,500 maximum allowed on these type of deals, while I think it’s unlikely the 49ers bring James, or Benjamin back, as James has been on injured reserve the entire season, and Benjamin hasn’t shown much to be re-signed.
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The only tight end who is a UFA is Ross Dwelley, who I can see the 49ers bringing back, but as I’ve said about players like Cannon, Sherfield, & Sanu, Dwelley likely wouldn’t get more than the veteran minimum salary benefit deal.
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Next up are the offensive lineman, with center Jake Brendel, left guard Laken Tomlinson, & right tackle Tom Compton all set to be UFAs, with Brendel & Compton being in the league minimum areas, with Brendel being the best option to bring back to compete for a backup interior offensive lineman spot, as for Tomlinson, as I said, he’s one of 3 players who I feel have shown they’re worth a new multi-year deal, his play at left guard has been really good, and he’s only getting better with Trent Williams next to him at left tackle.
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On the defensive line we have 4 UFAs, defensive ends Jordan Willis, & Arden Key, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr., & nose tackle D.J. Jones, and as of. Now only Jones has shown he should be given a multi-year deal, while the other 3 are candidates for veteran minimum salary benefit deals.
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The 49ers have 1 linebacker as a UFA this offseason, Marcell Harris, a former safety, turned into a linebacker, and he’s played well, he’s a guy I can see the team bringing back for 2022.
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At cornerback, the 49ers have Jason Verrett, K’Waun Williams, Dontae Johnson, & Josh Norman as UFAs, and the only one I’d even consider bringing back is K’Waun Williams, while I’d let Verrett, Johnson, & Norman walk, while the team continues to develop the likes of Emmanuel Moseley, Deommodore Lenoir, & Ambry Thomas.
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The team also have 3 safeties scheduled to be UFAs, with the most likely, in my opinion anyway, to be brought back, is Tarvarius Moore, potentially on the Fourth Year Qualifying Contract, which would see him get a $2.285 million base salary, along with a $152,500 signing bonus, but only $1,187,500 would count against the cap, and as for Tavon Wilson, & Jaquiksi Tartt, I think Talanoa Hufanga has proven he can be a viable replacement at strong safety, while Wilson is very much replaceable.
RFA:
RG Daniel Brunskill
DT Kentavius Street
SLB Azeez Al-Shaair
- So the 49ers have 3 RFAs, but I wouldn’t tender any of them, and I doubt the 49ers do, instead, I’d look for them to sign these 3 to 1-year deals, worth much less than the original round tender, projected at $2.396 million for 2022, likely in the $1.265 million range on 1-year deals.
ERFA:
RB JaMycal Hasty
WR Jauan Jennings
LG Colton McKivitz
DT Kevin Givens
SLB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
- I expect the 49ers to tender all 5 of these ERFAs, with Hasty, McKivitz, Givens, & Flannigan-Fowles getting 1-year, $895,000 tenders, and Jennings getting a $825,000 tender, all of which are non-guaranteed.
Practice Squad FAs:
QB Nate Sudfeld
FB Josh Hokit
WR River Cracraft
WR Connor Wedington
WR Austin Watkins Jr.
TE Tanner Hudson
TE Jordan Matthews
C Jon Halapio
RT Corbin Kaufusi
RT Alfredo Gutierrez
DE Alex Barrett
NT Darrion Daniels
NT Chris Slayton
MLB Tyrell Adams
CB Davontae Harris
CB Saivion Smith
FS Tony Jefferson II
FS Will Parks
FS Kai Nacua
- As for the practice squad players, I’d expect them to at least bring back whoever is the younger players, and they may sign all of them to reserve/future deals, likely 1-year deals, which would be worth the league minimum, which will vary based on the number of accrued seasons each have.
Ok, so now that I’ve gone over the 49ers pending free agents, let’s take a look at the players I view as part of these teams, or should be apart, of the teams short term, & long term plans.
Players with a future, either long term, or short term:
QB Trey Lance(2024) – This is an easy one, the 49ers traded from 12 to 3, plus their 2022 1st-rounder, 2023 1st-rounder, and their 2022 compensatory 3rd-rounder for losing Robert Saleh, Lance is clearly viewed as the future of the 49ers, and while it’s possible, per Kyle Shanahan, & Jed York, that Jimmy Garoppolo could be back in 2022, it just doesn’t seem feasible, as the 49ers will really need that $24.845 million in savings, especially if they are between $9,302,093-$11,133,373 over the 2022 salary cap, this is assuming that the 2022 salary cap is indeed the agreed upon ceiling of $208.2 million, along with the likely escalations for Deebo Samuel, Charles Omenihu, Dre Greenlaw, & Mitch Wishnowsy, who will all see their base salaries go up to the original round tender, which, as mentioned before, is projected to be $2.396 million, except for Deebo, as he has a $50,000 workout bonus, which is considered salary, so his base salary would be $2.346 million, but if Deebo makes the pro bowl, as he is the second leader in receiving yards, as well as the leader in YAC, his base salary would go up to the 2nd-round tender, which is projected to be $3.927 million, but again, the $50,000 workout bonus would be subtracted, making his base salary $3.922 million.
RB Elijah Mitchell(2024) – I think Mitchell has proven this season that he’s more than capable of being a weapon in both the run game, as he’s the 49ers rushing yards leader, and in the passing game, plus Mitchell has showed flashes of looking like another Raheem Mostert.
RB Trey Sermon(2024) – Now, I know Kyle Shanahan said there is a pecking order, I fully expect in 2022 to see Sermon getting much more touches, either carries, or catches, plus another full offseason will only help him.
FB Kyle Juszczyk(2025) – The man that pretty much all 49ers fans call, Juice, is a vital part of the 49ers offense, he’s the best fullback in the NFL, he can run with the ball, catch the ball, lineup at many positions, including tight end, and in the slot, but he is one of the two main reasons why the 49ers run game works so well, along with George Kittle.
WR Deebo Samuel(2022) – I think all 49ers fans can agree that Deebo is the teams top offensive weapon, and it’s not just as a receiver, but also in the run game, as Shanahan has used him in so many different formations, so I fully expect the 49ers to look to extend him in the offseason, when he’ll be entering his final year of his contract.
WR Brandon Aiyuk(2023) – One of the biggest shocks week 1 was the fact that Trent Sherfield, not Brandon Aiyuk, started opposite Deebo, but since then, Aiyuk has really come on, he’s sure handed, great in man coverage, and has earned the trust of both Kyle Shanahan, & Jimmy Garoppolo, but just imagine how lethal he can be with Trey Lance at quarterback.
WR Jauan Jennings(2021) – Jennings, a ERFA in the offseason, showed something in the win vs. the Jaguars, that “dog” mentality, and this kid could be the teams future 3rd wide receiver, with more development.
TE George Kittle(2025) – Kittle was signed to the biggest deal for a tight end in NFL history, $15 million a year, and since then, he has had injury concerns, but, Kittle is without a doubt, the best all-around tight end, and as I said, he is one of two reasons why the run game works so well, along with Juice.
TE Charlie Woerner(2023) – I really think Woerner has come on, last season he was, honestly, not impressive at anything, he prides himself in his blocking, but that was a huge weakness, but this year he’s shown what the 49ers saw when they picked him in the 6th-round of the 2020 draft, plus he’s added the ability to catch the ball too.
C Alex Mack(2023) – This more a short term guy, as he said he has no desire to play into his 40s, and he’s signed through 2023, with no guaranteed money left after 2021, but he should, and likely will be the teams center until they find a young prospect to have Mack groom.
LG Laken Tomlinson(2021) – This could be a guy the 49ers should consider extending Tomlinson, especially before his contract voids before the new league year begins in March, or else he’ll count $1,005,530 against the 2022 cap in dead money, and Laken has been a soldier, he just doesn’t seem to miss much, if any, snaps.
LG Colton McKivitz(2021) – McKivitz is a ERFA after 2022, and while I think he should have never been waived in the first place, I’m thankful the 49ers were able to keep him, as he’s very versatile, as he can play guard, & tackle, so he could be a guy who ends up being at worst a key backup to 3-4 positions on the line, and at best, he turns into a potential long term left guard.
RG Daniel Brunskill(2021) – Once thought of as a potential center, Brunskill won the right guard spot, and I think he’s someone the 49ers should hang onto, plus he’s a guy who really can play pretty much every spot on the offensive line.
RG Aaron Banks(2024) – I know pretty much all 49ers fans aren’t thrilled that Banks has yet to see the field, but I think Banks has a bright future, either at right guard, or left guard, it depends on if the 49ers bring Tomlinson back or not.
LT Trent Williams(2026) – The big man, Trent Williams, was rewarded with the highest contract for an offensive lineman, getting $23.03 million a year, and so far, he’s not disappointed, as he’s still, in my opinion, the best left tackle in the NFL, so this is a no brainer, as he’s one of the teams elite players.
RT Jaylon Moore(2024) – Moore has shown, in the short time he’s played right tackle, that he’s more than capable of holding his own, and with the future of Mike McGlinchey uncertain, I think Moore will definitely end up as a starter, even if it’s not at right tackle.
DE Arik Armstead(2024) – Despite what some 49ers fans have said, Arik Armstead is a key piece to the 49ers defensive line, as he’s able to play on the outside, and inside on the defensive line, also, he’s proven that he can get pressure on the both the quarterback, and running backs.
DE Nick Bosa(2022) – Ok, do I really need to explain this one, Bosa leads the league in TFLs(15), & has 10 sacks, with 7 games left, and while the 49ers could pick his option up for 2023, then tag him in 2024 & 2025, it’d be foolish to not extend him this offseason, where as, if you wait, his price will only go up.
DE Charles Omenihu(2022) – This is more of a projection, hopefully DL coach Kris Kocurek can bring the best of Omenihu out, and potentially make him a fixture for the 49ers defensive line.
DT Javon Kinlaw(2023) – Unlike some 49ers fans, I refuse to give up on Kinlaw, I know he’s not DeForest Buckner, and never may be, but he has the potential to be a dominant run stuffing defensive tackle.
NT D.J. Jones(2021) – The past 3 seasons have shown how good Jones can be, from running down & sacking Kyler Murray, to having the wherewithal to sniff out a fake field goal, Jones is a guy the 49ers need to have for the long term.
WLB Dre Greenlaw(2022) – Greenlaw had 2 really good years to begin his career, unfortunately, he hasn’t played since week 1 due to injury, but, if the same Greenlaw that we saw in 2019 & 2020 comes back for these final 7 games, this LB group will look scary.
MLB Fred Warner(2026) – Another no brainer, & one of the elite players on this team, Warner was given a new deal this offseason, worth $19.05 million a year, he’s a tackling machine, he’s the defensive leader on the field, & a damn good player, one of the best pure linebackers in the game today.
SLB Azeez Al-Shaair(2021) – This is another projection for me, as Al-Shaair, who’s stepped up in Greenlaw’s absence, and done a really good job, he seems to be the first guy to the ball, and just making plays, so hopefully he can turn into a long term fixture.
CB Emmanuel Moseley(2022) – At the beginning of the season, when Moseley missed the first 2 games, came back, I wasn’t all that impressed, but I agree with what Kyle Shanahan said, as Moseley is the guy who has come the farthest of all defenders, improving week-in, week-out.
CB Deommodore Lenoir(2024) – This one baffles me, as he played very good the first 2 games of the season, starting for the injured Emmanuel Moseley, but since then, he’s not seen much of the field as a cornerback, instead we’ve seen the likes of Dontae Johnson, Josh Norman, & even the now ex-49er Dre Kirkpatrick get playing time over him, but, Lenoir has a high upside, as he could either turn into a long term fixture on the outside, or inside at the slot cornerback spot.
CB Ambry Thomas(2024) – Ambry Thomas came into camp, didn’t do the best, but there was no way the 49ers would waive him, instead, he’s mostly been either inactive or playing on special teams, but, I think due to him being a 2020 COVID opt-out, he just needs another offseason to show why he was picked in the 3rd-round.
CB K’Waun Williams(2021) – While K’Waun has had his injury issues, you can’t deny that when he’s on the field, the defense is so much better, so he’s one of 3 guys I’ve identified, that are UFAs, that I think should get multi-year deals from the 49ers this offseason, he really is a top 5 slot cornerback.
FS Jimmie Ward(2022) – Ok, I know I may get roasted, as Ward hasn’t been the most flashiest of players, but, again, like with K’Waun, when Ward is out there, the defense is so much better, I really think the 49ers should consider extending him in the offseason.
SS Talanoa Hufanga(2024) – Hufanga has a high football IQ, where he lacks in speed, he makes up in hustle, he doesn’t give up on whoever has the ball, he’s a guy that should be viewed as the team long term starting strong safety.
P Mitch Wishnowsky(2022) – Say what you want, but Wishnowsky, despite being a 4th-round pick in 2019, has become one of the best punters in the NFL, so he should be apart of the teams long term plans.
Players who are really 50/50:
RB JaMycal Hasty(2021) – Hasty is a ERFA, so he’ll be brought back for camp, but he’s going to need to contribute more, show something, because the 49ers have 2 backs they drafted in Mitchell, & Sermon, both of which are a part of the teams future, so we’ll have to wait where Hasty fits in.
RB Jeff Wilson Jr.(2021) – I’d actually give Wilson a 2-year deal this offseason, he’s shown in the past that he can be a playmaker in both the run game, & passing game, but long term wise, I’m not sure where he fits.
WR Trent Sherfield(2021) – Sherfield started out hot in the preseason, he had a coupe nice TDs, one long one from Trey Lance, then he started the first few weeks, but since then, he hasn’t seen a lot of time at wide receiver, but he’s a guy I want to see back on a 1-year, veteran minimum deal, to see what he can bring, as a potential deep threat, and he is a very good gunner on special teams.
RT Mike McGlinchey(2022) – McGlinchey is guaranteed to be here in 2022, his $10.88 million 5th-year option is fully guaranteed, it’s really about beyond 2022, if he comes back strong in 2022, if the injury isn’t serious, then the 49ers have a decision to make in 2023.
RT Justin Skule(2022) – Skule has been on IR all season after suffering a torn ACL before the season, and while he hasn’t been spectacular, he has looked good when given chances, he’ll likely have to battle for a Swing Tackle spot.
DE Samson Ebukam(2022) – I really hope Ebukam comes out strong the rest of the season, and can make a guy like Dee Ford expendable, and can potentially give the 49ers someone who is young opposite Nick Bosa.
DE Arden Key(2021) – Key has had a good season to be honest, he has a few sacks, and has gotten more playing time due to the injuries to Dee Ford, & Javon Kinlaw, but, I think the 49ers need to see more out of him, which is why I think he’s one of those veteran minimum deal guys.
DE Jordan Willis(2021) – Willis, acquired in 2020 from the Jets, has only played in a handful of games, due to a 6-game suspension, so if they bring him back for 2022, it’s a 1-year veteran minimum deal.
DT Maurice Hurst Jr.(2021) – Now Hurst was a guy I was excited to see play, but injuries have derailed that, but, he could be brought back on a 1-year minimum deal.
DT Kevin Givens(2021) – An ERFA after 2021, he’ll be back, at least for camp, but Givens, who has played very well behind D.J. Jones, isn’t really that big body that the 49ers really need on the interior of the defensive line, but you never know what can happen.
DT Kentavius Street(2021) – An RFA after 2021, Street is a guy I don’t know if he has a future with the team, he got off to a good start, had a good camp, made the 53, but hasn’t really been all that great, he’s more undersized, so like with Givens, the 49ers need more bigger interior defensive lineman, but who knows what happens.
NT Darrion Daniels(2021) – This is an intriguing player, as he’s a guy who I thought, before the signings of D.J. Jones, and now ex-49er Zach Kerr in the offseason, would be a candidate to backup Jones or even start, as he looked good when given chances in 2020, he is on the practice squad, so he’ll be back, but I want to see if he has a future with the team.
WLB Marcell Harris(2021) – Harris, who has made the switch from safety to linebacker, has played really well, he’s a guy I’d consider bringing back in 2022, but beyond that, I don’t know if he’s in their future plans.
SLB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles(2021) – Like with Givens, Flannigan-Fowles is a ERFA, so he’ll be brought back for camp, but as far as in the long term, I really don’t know where he would fit.
FS Tarvarius Moore(2021) – Here’s a guy who I had high hopes for, but he tore his Achilles in the offseason, and has been on PUP ever since the beginning of the season, but I would give him a 1-year deal, to see if he can prove to be a part of the teams future..
Not in the 49ers future plans:
QB Jimmy Garoppolo(2022) – This is obvious, the team traded up, gave 2 future 1’s, and a future 3rd, to get Trey Lance, and by offloading Garoppolo’s deal, while having Lance on a rookie deal, it’ll allow them to retain the likes of Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, or anyone else who proves they deserve a new deal, plus the 49ers really do need that $24.845 million they’d save by releasing or trading him.
QB Nate Sudfeld(2021) – While he has been active for 2 games, luckily he didn’t see the field, and Sudfeld isn’t all that great, it was really either him or Josh Rosen, with one going to the practice squad, Sudfeld won out, but he’s not the answer to mentor Lance.
RB Raheem Mostert(2021) – Mostert got injured week 1, and is out for the season, now, when healthy, he’s one of the better backs that fit Shanahan’s system, but due to his injury issues, plus the fact he asked for a raise last year, I don’t see the team paying him what a Nyheim Hines got, which was $6.2 million a year.
RB Trenton Cannon(2021) – While Cannon has done a good job as the teams kick returner, I think they can, and will upgrade in the future, with Ambry Thomas being a candidate in my opinion.
FB Josh Hokit – With Juice signed until 2025, I don’t see a real future for Hokit, while I like the kid, unless he converts to being a tight end, he just won’t be on the 49ers 53-man roster, as the team only keeps 1 fullback.
WR Connor Wedington – Signed to the practice squad, he’ll probably get a reserve/futures deal, that’s if he makes it these last 7 weeks, just to be a camp body, or someone filling as spot until the team drafts, or signs a rookie free agent.
WR River Cracraft – Another practice squad guy who has no legit future with the team, he’s never done anything special, so I expect him to get a reserve/futures deal, but won’t last long.
WR Devin Funchess – This may be premature, but the 27-year old was just signed to the teams practice squad, as he’s bounced around, but I doubt he’s a guy the team views in their long term plans.
WR Richie James Jr. – James has been on IR the entire season, and other than a few nice catches, and the occasion nice return, he doesn’t bring much to this team.
WR Travis Benjamin – Another veteran, who really hasn’t shown much after being promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, I just don’t see the need for him.
WR Mohamed Sanu Sr. – Another veteran, who made the 53, but actually has contributed, but is on IR right now, he could be brought back on a veteran minimum deal, but as far as long term or even short term future, the 49ers need to get more youth.
TE Tanner Hudson – Another practice squad guy, who has played in 2 games this season, but didn’t really see the field much at tight end, but expect him to be back on a reserve/futures deal.
TE Jordan Matthews – The former wide receiver, turned tight end, showed something in the preseason, but this is his first year as a tight end, I think the team could sign him to a reserve/futures deal, I just don’t see any fit long term for him.
C Jake Brendel – While I like Brendel, as he surprised a lot in the preseason, and is Alex Mack’s backup, I don’t see where he fits in past 2022, if he is even brought back for 2022.
C Jon Halapio – Another practice squad guy, who was really just signed as depth in case of injuries, I don’t see him as more than a guy who signs a reserve/futures deal, and then is let go during roster cut downs.
RT Tom Compton – One of the most frustrating decisions that Kyle Shanahan made this season was keeping Compton, over Colton McKivitz, who I believe has a shot at being here long term, if anything, he gets a 1-year deal, worth the minimum.
RT Corbin Kaufusi – Another practice squad player, who, really doesn’t have much experience, I expect him back on a reserve/futures deal, but cut at some point before the 2022 season.
RT Alfredo Gutierrez – Now this kid is intriguing, he’s on the practice squad, he doesn’t count against the cap, or the practice squad limit, but can’t play, as he’s an international pathway program player, but I can see him back on a reserve/futures deal.
DE Alex Barrett – Barrett has bounced from being cut to signing to the practice squad, and cut again, so I don’t expect much more than a reserve/futures deal, he has no real future with the team.
DE Dee Ford – The 49ers have a decision to make, and they have to do so within 5 days after the super bowl, as he has an injury guaranteed $4.6 million roster bonus, and while I can see him brought back for 2022, past that, he’s not likely a guy the 49ers would give a new deal to.
NT Chris Slayton – Signed once Darrion Daniels got hurt, Slayton is just here on the practice squad, in case of injuries, and like many practice squad guys, expect a reserve/futures deal for him.
MLB Tyrell Adams – Adams went from the street, to the 49ers practice squad, to the 53-man roster, and back to the practice squad, he’s played a few games, but, mostly on special teams, he’s another guy you bring back on a reserve/futures deal.
CB Saivion Smith – Signed to the practice squad, as the 49ers do have issues at cornerback, Smith was once a high touted prospect, but, it didn’t work out, so again, reserve/futures deal guy.
CB Davontae Harris – I just don’t know what Harris brings ton the table, he’ll come back for camp on a reserve/futures deal, but I don’t know if he’ll beat anyone out, but he’s not a long term answer.
CB Luq Barcoo – I don’t know much of this kid, but if he wasn’t on a team until getting signed to the 49ers practice squad, that tells me he’s a reserve/futures deal guy.
CB Dontae Johnson – Another one of those guys that I don’t get how he keeps sticking around with the 49ers, he’s not terrible, but he’s not great, he’s really above average at best, I just don’t see any future for him in the bay area.
CB Josh Norman – While I can see the 49ers bringing Norman back, I just don’t see him in their long term future, yes he’s been doing a better job lately, but he’s getting up in age, and has too many defensive pass inferences called on him.
CB Jason Verrett – Like with Norman, I can see the 49ers bringing back Verrett, who tore his ACL week 1, on a 1-year, veteran minimum deal, but, beyond that, unless he makes a miraculous recovery, there’s no real long term future for him here.
FS Tony Jefferson II – Jefferson has played in 2 games, but mostly on special teams, and he’s no longer the Tony Jefferson he was 5 years ago, if anything, they bring him back on a reserve/future deal, and let him compete, but long term, not likely.
FS Kai Nacua – Nacua is currently on the practice squad injured reserve list, but I expect him back on a reserve/futures deal, but like all of these guys, he doesn’t seem to be in the teams long term plans.
SS Jaquiski Tartt – While I really like Tartt, he’s just been injured too much during his career, and with the youngster Talanoa Hufanga, who filled in, & played well, waiting, Tartt seems expendable.
PK Robbie Gould – Gould will be the teams place kicker in 2022, but that’s mostly due to his salary being fully guaranteed, plus he’s getting up there in age, so the 49ers would be wise to plan for the future after Gould.
And, with all of this said, I thank everyone for reading article, as always you can follow me on Twitter @49erscap, or leave a comment below, and I’ll get back to you.
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